My name is Taylor Harrison and I still am wandering through life finding where the wild things are. I have a great passion for children's and YA fiction and believe it to be something we should never forget about no matter how old we may get.
As a child I remember having a great sense of pride when I was able to read a book two or three levels above my reading level. Yet as a college student studying creative writing and wanting to become a children's author, I have spent a lot of time going back to my roots and reading way below my reading level.
I believe in the power of opening up your favorite book from your childhood and discovering something new every single time. I am hoping to share my passion for both children's books and YA fiction through book reviews, photos, favorite quotes, inspiration for other writers and my own journey as I strive to become an author of these genres.
Today I want to share with you the very first book I remember my mother reading to me as a child. It is called The Kissing Hand and is written by Audrey Penn (Audrey Penn's Portfolio). Penn has written an entire series of children's books that focus on life issues for children. The Kissing Hand is a book focused on separation anxiety and my mother first read it to me the night before I started school.
Chester the raccoon is also starting school and does not want to leave his mother at home. She leaves a kiss on his hand that will stay with him anytime he misses his mother, a constant reminder of her love. To this day I will still draw a heart on the palm of my hand whenever I am missing my mother and need reassurance through difficult times.
While it is just a children's book about a nervous raccoon, there is so much more to learn from a favorite story. Thank you for taking this journey with me into the past!
